OT - Praising Good Service

I have been guilty of only complaining when things go wrong although I am trying to do better. But last night, an incident at the ER (I am fine, don't worry) prompted me to just now write to LabCorp to praise their techs for doing an outstanding job of blood draws.

A nurse who apparently is quite good, did a blood draw in my right arm that was so painful, I was screaming which I never do. To add insult to injury, she wanted to put another IV in which I stopped her from doing since there was already one in my left arm.

Anyway, every time I have had blood drawn at LabCorp, the techs have done a great job. It has been nearly painless and very quick. The only one that hurt more than usual (and it wasn't really that intolerable) even took less time than they normally do.

I urge people if they can to let providers know when they do things right. My experience with the nurse last night is a great reminder of what I need to do.

49er

I'm sorry you were at the ER and DO hope you are okay! Please take good care of yourself!

I think we tend to only tell people when they've done badly, but I agree with you. When people do really well, I think it's good to tell them! I try hard to do that when someone goes above and beyond to help me/do something right for me. We have a lady at our insurance office that I realized I could just call and do almost anything. She is so nice, friendly and knows what she's doing and does it. I can even email her and I just KNOW everything will be taken care of.

I wrote to the corporate office, complimenting her. They told her about my letter and she called me to tell me how much she appreciated it. She said she tries really hard to help people and do a good job, but my letter was the first time anybody had taken the time to write to show appreciation for her efforts.

People like hearing when their efforts are appreciated.

I can relate to your post. A few years back I needed an IV and it really hurt a lot. My second IV was smooth as can be. I should have said something about the first IV!!

Difficult blood draws happen most often when we get dehydrated, sometimes even when done by experts.
Stay hydrated--try not to be that person with nightmare veins.
I always compliment the tech who can do a painless stick--they are priceless.

I'll second the recommendation for LabCorp's phlebotomists. I have never had a painful draw. Now, the 'high school' help at my endocrinologist. Never again.

Thanks for that reminder to be as ready to commend as to complain. Glad to hear you're ok on the other side of that ER visit.

Thanks everyone.

I had an allergic reaction to Gadolinium which was given when I had an MRI on Wednesday to rule out a false positive from a Pet Scan that indicated my lymphoma had spread to the brain. Meeting with the oncologist today to discuss results so of course, I am a nervous wreck.

If god forbid, anyone needs a pet scan, just be aware that they have a high false positive rate. Of course, I can't assume mine is although the oncologist strongly thinks it is. Anyway, if you have to have one, personally, I would ask to speak to the manager of the facility and find out what steps are taken to guard against this. If you are not satisfied with the answer, find another place that will be more forthcoming.

A family member said they deliberately set things up to error on the side of false positives because they feel that is a better option than having false negatives. Personally, I don't think that is acceptable but heck, I am just a peon patient so what do I know?

I had thought about sending my results out to another place for a 2nd opinion. But I decided to have the MRI to get absolute clarity. However, that is the last time I will allow Gadolinium to be used unless the image without is absolutely unreadable. Another discussion.

Sorry for the rant. I am just pretty angry and frustrated with everything.

49er

Sorry for getting my OT post OT. Anyway, in spite of my frustrations I will continue to try and praise good service when I can.

49er

I'm reading this just shaking my head in anger and frustration on your behalf ... I can only imagine how upsetting it must have been be to be presented with those PET scan results. It boggles my mind that at a time when you're very vulnerable they perform a test that has such a high false positive rate. Psychological torture comes to mind.

I grew up in South Africa and there is a saying there "I'm holding thumbs for you" which basically means "I'm rooting for you".

So I'm going to be "holding thumbs for you" today, and hope that your meeting with the oncologist goes very well, and I'd also be asking just why these PET scans are done if they have such a high false positive rate. Grrrrr.

Yes, it's true that bad care (and bad results) get a lot more publicity than good care and good results. When things go well, we just don't consider it noteworthy!